Providing a sustainable, low-carbon transport system is a key priority of the Irish Government. The Programme for Government commits to 7% average annual emissions reduction to 2030; ultimately, the goal is for a zero-emission mobility system by 2050. Decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicles will be key to achieving this objective in the transport sector.
To promote the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector, my Department launched the Alternatively-Fueled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme in March 2021.The Scheme, which is administered by TII, is intended to help bridge some of the difference in purchase price between conventional heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and those powered by alternatively-fueled power-trains. To accord with EU State Aid rules, grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally-fueled diesel HDV and its alternatively-fueled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the enterprise applying for the grant.
€3m was allocated to this scheme in 2021 and given the excellent response to the initiative, my Department has allocated an additional €3m in funds this year to assist the heavy-duty vehicle sector in its transition to zero-mobility. Details on how to apply are available on the TII website.